Question:
Does anyone know anything about developing neuropathy after bypass

Last evening at our support meeting, it was mentioned that bypass patients can develope neuropathy. I sleep on my stomach and I have actually had my arms fall asleep. My Dr said it must have been the way I sleep with my arms under me. But I recently had a TT, hernia repair, and implants and have had too sleep on my back for the last 6 1/2 weeks and when I lay my hands on my stomach sure enough they have been falling asleep. I've also noticed my legs fall asleep sometimes when I go to the restroom. Now I'm questioning all these occurances. Has anyone heard of any relationship between the 2?    — Tammara D. (posted on October 22, 2004)

October 21, 2004
In a word, YES, there is a correlation between the two. I've included a link to a posting about the study done by the Mayo Clinic linking the two: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/question.phtml?N=a1098207057 Also, I have personal experience with neuropathy. It can be caused by a B vitamin deficiency, as mine was. I was in the hospital for a week and they ran every test imaginable to determine what was wrong with me. I just saw my neurologist this week and he said that since treating me, he had one other patient who developed neuropathy after gastric bypass. Because of treating me, he knew exactly what to test her for and was able to start her on the correct treatment (massive doses of B vitamins). If you are experiencing problems with your extremities falling asleep, you need to contact either your surgeon or pcp and have them run tests to check your B1, B6 and B12 levels. Also, having too much B1 or B6 can cause neuropathy. Mine started out exactly like you described, but I had some other issues and the numbness was ignored until I was hospitalized and my sister jumped up and down to convince them to find out what was wrong with me. You can read my profile and it goes into more detail and you can email me if you want. Good Luck!! RNY 12/03 292/161/150ish
   — tmchase62

October 22, 2004
Yes, and the above poster placed valuable information regarding this subject, by all means do read the link. I was diagnosed with this a while back, as it had manifested itself in "foot drop" and progressed from there. My neurologist said that it is common for those who have had wls or have lost a large amount of weight in a short period of time. She related the causes to loss of "padding" around the nerves and to malnourishment. It might be a good idea to discuss this issue with a neurologist just to be safe. Good luck to you, Jackie O.
   — Jackie O.

October 23, 2004
check out this article about it. I didnt read it all but it basically said its caused by malnutrion and not enough B12 http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=1419&e=5&u=/nm/20041014/hl_nm/health_gastric_dc&sid=95832458
   — star .

October 24, 2004
There was another, fairly recent posting abt this topic--in fact I think there have been several. Here's my answer copied from the other post: have also had problems with this--started several months ago at about 1yr out. Started as 'drop foot' for several weeks, now just numbness/pain in feet & insides of legs. I also researched & asked questions on this & other boards. There was a mention by someone that their dr. did tell them that sometimes rapid weightloss can bring on this numbness. My labs have been great, and I have always been very compliant as to vits & supplements. Since, as you said, more people seem to be willing to discuss, does anyone think it would be worthwhile to start ano group concerning WLS/Neuropathy? I have no idea how to go abt doing that, but would certainly be willing to help & support this group. MaryAnn
   — MaryAnn G.

October 25, 2004
I have not had the surgery yet and my extremities fall a sleep if I stay in one position to long. I think is due to poor circulation.
   — JerseyGirl